Mo set this up. Paid for the cabin and suggested we FatPack another weekend in a row. As long as I didn’t hit my head again … I wore a helmet. I suspected it was because my birthday is tomorrow. She knows my favorite thing to do is adventure. And no questions asked about her, or may I say what was in it, backpack. It was important and I was not allowed to see it. I did know about a cake we were carrying in. And I suspected it was for my birthday tomorrow. So I took on most of our load on my fatty for the ride in.
Then we got our element stuck. A great location to launch our trip. And only 4 miles out. And within 45 minutes we were enjoying the setting sun at the Calf Creek Cabin.
When the lights came on all I could think of was to get up and try to act normal so that if Mo was looking out of the window she would not be alarmed to see me sprawled out in front of the woodshed like I had been shot.
So I did get to my feet even though I felt dizzy an really couldn’t answer the question as to why I was even out by the shed in the first place. Then I noticed that the North side of Little Bear Cabin did not have a window. And it was so early in the morning that she would of not been up anyway. I think. Well at least I could remember that.
The rest of the morning I stumbled around, fidgeted, and took some photos. Then it was time to leave and get back home for the up and coming wonderful world of work. When we finally got back to the car I came clean.
“I hit my head while trying to get to the woodshed … I think. Knocked me out cold … I think”
We were late for the meet up in Hyalite Canyon. We explained to zero attendees that we got hung up on miscommunications and the fact that we ran out of gas as well. In any case we jolted up the hill and too outran all tracks from previous users. The sliders and the doggers. No signs of the snomachines though which kind of sucked because we had to pedal through crust and 5 inches of fresh pow. The BOMB down was stellar with only one crust fall through into a swamp. Fun times for all 2 attendies. Will the snow hold out for another week? Stay tuned.
Last night, amidst the remnants of a pesky cold, I decided to brave it all and embark on an ambitious fat bike ride in the evening, accompanied by our “massive” group of… wait for it… two. It initially felt like a simple quest for fresh air, but boy, did it morph into a bona fide fat bike adventure. And the cherry on top? We were treading wheels in a place that was a mystery to both of us. Imagine that – two intrepid explorers, against all odds, navigating the unknown on two chunky tires. It’s like we were boldly going where no one in our duo had gone before.
I now have two bikes, a fattie and a cross bike. The two extremes, fat and skinny. Like me … right? RIP Gonzo and RIP Askia. Gone are my old cross bike and sadly the El Mariachi is also retired. New is a cobbled* together gravel grinder. Well not gone but for sale. Selling my cross bike frame, carbon fork, wheels, and crank for $200 bucks.
*Ha, slipped in a Classics reference.
On this day in history, Back in the mystical land of ’04, I found myself perched on the edge of destiny, with the “2004 EFTA Race Schedule” in hand. Picture me, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to etch my name onto the unforgiving terrain of cycling lore..
This is Lammy’s fifth year visiting the Tetons. With his help we were able to launch a major blow to the 40 hour work week. This week I only worked 32 hours. Last week, the same. Ha! Take that you blood sucking mongrels.
On this day in history, ‘Hey Zeph! Want an Action Wipe?‘ I asked, after cleaning the blood from my shin.
Last night was the 34th installment of our Wednesday Night Adventure Series. We had the average group size of 2 and getting to the launch site proved to be a little challenging. This time of year unless you want to road ride or mountain bike mud slog you need to get yourself high. We attempted the upper snowmobile parking lot of the Big Sky Trail but got a tad stuck. Not really, just had to turn around. We parked high and hit the fresh fallen snow. At the turn around point was 3 inches of fresh powder. Down below troughed ice. Still on snow people. Still rolling fatties on snow. Next week … Bridger Canyon possibly.
On this day in history, ‘Hey Zeph! Want an Action Wipe?‘ I asked, after cleaning the blood from my shin.
As I mentioned in a previous post this is our 5th time coming to the Togwotee Winter Classic. Traditionally we have just rushed back to work the morning after the race. 3 days and two nights max. We always wished that we could do this one ride up to Brooks Lake Lodge. So this year we took 4 days off. And boy what a diffrence a day makes. So much more relaxation and peace. Strike another against the 40 hour work week. Right?
So we woke when we wanted and didn’t rush anything; which was absolutely fantastic. We ended up first riding some snow shoe trails and then turned our wheels up the big climb to Brooks Lake. It was a hell of a climb but the views from our fatties were absolutely the most picturesque I think that I have ever done. There were crown-like cliffs and buttes surrounding us as we trudged up the trail. Mo remarked that it almost seemed like we were in Canada. When we got to the lodge we took some time and read about the history. There was this one story about a grizzly bear who broke a 30 pound trap and carried it away. Three fellas hunted it down and shot it … which wasn’t my favorite part. But they describe how 3 guys shot at it but only found one puncture. Everybody still claimed the victory. But oh well, we bombed back down the mountain.
The big surprise of the weekend was Dubois Wyoming. What a cool little town. I have never seen a town like it, except for where I grew up in Roundup. The Utah like cliffs that surrounded the town on the north side where cool to. At the top of one was a mountain bike park. For sure a diamond discovery. We will be back!
Today is a major offensive push in the war against the 40 hour work week. I’ve taken today off and also next Monday. But it is not all fun and games. There is a massive packing effort to be done this morning and then a six to seven hour drive to Togwotee Pass Wyoming. It’s better than working, right? Before my winter racing career, if you want to call it that, I would always seek out sun like in 2011. Now it is all Togwotee 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
On This Day In History
2013: A Yum Break! – Celebrating the successful migration to WordPress and the joys of simplicity in blogging.
2012: Sharing the trip home – A reflective journey home, filled with adventure, racing, and the beauty of slow returns.
2011: Tears on a top tube – The excitement and camaraderie of the Devils Slide Mountain bike Race weekend.
2010: Rural Canada – A photographic homage to the scenic beauty between the Canadian border and Calgary.
2008: Not a Good Sign – An enigmatic entry that leaves readers pondering.
This weekend is my 5th Togwotee Winter Classic. My first try was also my first fat bike race. It ended wonderfully. This year I am kind of not as prepared, much like the first year.
We needed to get out for a prep ride. You see now we call it prep ride because to call it a training ride you must have strung together multiple rides specific to a particular event. none of that happened so there you have it. A prep ride.
We choose Fairy lake since it has climbing and the only places to find snow around these parts. It did not disappoint. I am hoping it will be as beautiful.
On This Day In History
2012: Togwotee Winter Classic – A blog post sharing the thrilling experience of participating in the Togwotee Winter Classic, a tale of endurance and adventure in a snowstorm.
2012: Journeys end – The story of the arrival at Lava Mountain Lodge, setting the stage for the first snow bike race, filled with anticipation and excitement.
2011: Friends stuff – A lighthearted blog post recounting a sunny-day ride with friends, capturing the joy of shared moments and the quirks of adapting to new technology.
2010: Water Color – An entry into the “Abstract” album, this blog post showcases the mesmerizing beauty of water colors captured on a peaceful morning.
2006: Web Site Gone – A candid post about the challenges of losing a website and the struggles of rebuilding it with limited resources.
2002: Exhausted – Reflecting on the raw feeling of exhaustion after an adventurous trek in the woods, this blog post captures the essence of pushing one’s limits.
2002: Training on Schedule – A glimpse into the disciplined world of mountain bike training, celebrating the milestones of weight loss and fitness.
Last night I suddenly realized that ‘the green goggle’ has evolved over time. Once a training device and now a icon of our relationship. If none of this makes sense then as my partner said, “they don’t know us”. For those of you that do here is a comparison of then and now. before and after as you will. And now that Mo is officially a citizen of my planet this seems specially relevant as a mark in time. A refined journey. A refined vision.
Then my journey was to ride as far as I could in the dark as I could.
One of my fondest memories was a ridge snowshoe with my friend Alden the we did back in 2005. I thought it was high time I posted a gallery. I posted the event but a busy life, OK a incident induced shush, resulted in just a blurb. Well here are the images.
My remembrances are that this single hike resulted in Tom McClay getting in trouble after a run in we had with his thugs. On the way down we took photos and turned them into someone. I can’t remember who. It might have been the authorities, the FS, or even the local paper.
That and how impressed I was with how far Alden got his Subaru up the access road. Even with almost falling off the road and tumbling down the slope to our deaths. Typical outing with Alden … right?
On McClay Ridge and the drainage to the South.
On McClay Ridge and the drainage to the South.
Alden breaking trail.
Probably where we will turn around for the day.
Lolo Ridge which is above McClay Ridge …. should all be Lolo Ridge … who did all the naming?
Alden descends the ridge.
Posing on the ridge.
Singular Path
Roll
Curvey Shadows
Shodows
Alden taking a rest refreshment break with the Bitterroot Valley behind.
Hmmmm … what is this?
Well the mystery to whom is clearing is solved.
McClay clearing trail on FS lands.
On this day in history:
2015: Lucy and Buck – From 1803-1806, in an exciting journey to the Pacific Ocean and back, Lucy and Buck’s Corps of Discovery mapped the lands.
2014: Life Path – Last weekend my partner and I did a ride from Wise River to Elkhorn Hot Springs and then back the next day.
2012: SMSS – Alright, listen up! Sunday morning? More like Sunday Mourning Shit Show, or SMSS.
2010: Push – This is part 4 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009.
2008: Cyclist v.s. Mother Nature – Oh, today’s the day for a beastly two-hour spin! Who’s up for the challenge?
2006: Blackfoot Ride To Potomac – Hey there, friends! Bill checking in after a fantastic day that ended with me glued to the closing ceremonies of the Olympics.
2005: Lolo Peak Area Today – My friend Alden Wright and I have teamed up this weekend to snowshoe up a East ridge of Lolo Peak.
2004: JOB UPDATE – As you all know the government has canceled comanche. Sikorsky aircraft along with UTC has no clue what to do with us.
2003: Computer Funnies – At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry.
2002: Me Fat – Today is blue. I am blue because my body fat reduction and/or weight are not where I want it to be. I seem to be gaining weight with muscle mass.
From the latest outdoor misadventures back to a time of personal reflections and career uncertainties, this list offers a chronological reverse journey through the captivating and varied experiences shared in blog form.
Two strong showed up at the WNA number 32. Oh yea, we have been keeping up the weekly tradition. The most people that ever showed is 2 and the least amount of folks were 2. So a steady growth. I didn’t blog about the others because if you read my previous post we are at war and I did not have time to post. Let’s see there was WNA 16 The Lever, WNA 17 The Lolly Pop Run, WNA 18 Palisades Fat Bike, WNA 19 Urban Legend Fat Bike, WNA 20 Sourdough Fat Bike, WNA 21 Urban Fatties, WNA 22 Rollin Fatties in the Hood, WNA 23 Rollin Fatties After Work, WNA 24 Rollin Fatties Again, WNA 25 Snow Canyon Fat Bike, WNA 26 Rollin Fatties After Work II, WNA 27 Rollin Fatties After Work III, WNA 28 Rollin Fatties After Work IV, WNA 29 Bearish Return Fat Bike, WNA 30 Squashing The Moser Fat Bike, WNA 31 Rollin Fatties up Blackmore, and now WNA 32 Rollin Fatties up Olsen.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARCHIVES:
2015: Posers – An arduous climb up Avalanche Peak in Yellowstone Park, where a tiny cute creature and the strong winds made for a memorable and desolate adventure.
2012: My piece of solitude – Revisiting an old friend, a trail that brings back single track skills memories, and an encounter with a private plow truck on an icy road.
2012: Fallen – Observing the melancholy beauty of trees on Pipestone Pass, where one fallen tree seems to evoke despair in its companion.
2010: Morning Trail – Capturing a quintessential Missoula moment for any mountain biker, “Morning Trail” highlights the beauty of South Sentinel as dawn breaks.
2009: Dirt Coalition – Sharing aspirations to join the GT Dirt Coalition, and catching up on the internet during a rest break from a decent block of training.
2008: Hard Miles – A recount of a challenging 60-mile ride up route 200 in the rain, bringing about a sense of unexpected energy and strength.
2007: Lolo Pass Ride – An ambitious 66.1-mile journey to Lolo Pass, featuring around 5,000 feet of climbing and a cramp that led to late-night blogging.
2007: I Just Keep Ending up Here! – A cozy moment at the Break Espresso, savoring a Carmel roll and a cup of Joe, a simple pleasure amidst biking adventures.
2006: Turah Turah Ride Tonight – Reflecting on a great training ride to Turah and back, feeling good all the way home compared to a previous exhausting experience.
2006: New Pictures Uploaded – The challenge of organizing and uploading pictures likened to herding caffeinated cats, all while chilling at Break Espresso.
2003: What I really Want – A moment of technological simplification, desiring only the essentials like a new camera and a powerbook for summer adventures.
2002: Emotional Alchemy – Sharing the anticipation for a book called “Emotional Alchemy,” following an outstanding mountain bike ride and a need for rest.
This curated list of blog posts offers a glimpse into my biking adventures, poetic reflections, and life’s simple moments, painting a vivid picture of the journey through years.
At the root of our battle is the 40 hour work week. And folloing that is all the issues it creates. This weekend we fought back. Against fatigue and mental drain. Against all the others that have turned into zombies and now want to kill us. We got outside. Risking our lives we rode out bikes to the M trail.We wanted to fit in with the zombies, blend in as you will. And it was successful. We breathed fresh air and rejuvinated. Now we must remember our gains and build upon them.
On this day in history, let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating blog posts:
When I don’t have anything new or recovering from injury. I look to the past. What was I doing today? In 2010 I was hiking with the Missoula TNR group. 2012 Mo and I rolled fatties in Bozeman. 2013 I was attempting a snow shoe to Baldy Mountain.
We were headed down to the pool at Elkhorn Hot Springs. Yes we were a little excited but that was not the cause of the fall. The cause of the fall was that I tried to wear my cushies down. And then I slipped on the ice, spun around, put my arm down, twisted all my fingers back, popped some ligaments, and fell square on my back … then slid down the hill a bit. That was a couple days ago and I am still hurting. Not sleeping and in pain all night and really suffering at work. Probably going to take a sick day tomorrow.
But the entire day before that incident was absolutely fantastic. It had rained and then frozen. And then it snowed. The results were fantastic conditions for fat bikes.
Why is it then … we always remember the bad stuff. Maybe to survive as a species. Yea, if I were to quit my job because all I could think of is the perfect conditions and how much fun fat biking at Elkhorn was, that would not be good.
On this day in history, let’s dive into the eclectic and adventurous world of my blog, showcasing a variety of experiences and insights:
Well … to be a pioneer one must be a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area. A google search of the Pioneer Mountains will not give you any clue why they are named as such. Taking a fat bike up Blue Creek Trail though I felt like a winter bike pioneer.
It is our first time sliding in two years. After being helped by onlookers we were able to lock into the slide thingers. Yea, it was fun. No the real fun was staying in a cabin with friends and playing Cards Against Humanity. I really fit into the awful crowd.
Boneshakerbike 